I Am the Weapon (The Unknown Assassin) Paperback – Bargain Price, May 13, 2014

This is a great book for reluctant readers, especially for male reluctant readers. I teach a high school class for students who are reading far below grade level, and this is the first book we read together as a class. Every year at least half of the class has finished the entire trilogy before they're even scheduled to have finished Boy Nobody. So the fact that kids who hate to read devour these books should tell you something. As an adult, I enjoy it. It's fast-paced, there's never a lull, and it has a somewhat unexpected ending.

Allen Zadoff has dug into the YA suspense/spy market that has gone largely untouched. Since Anthony Horowitz stopped writing the Alex Rider novels (why, Anthony????), there exists a vacuum in this area that needs filling.Zadoff comes close with his Boy Nobody series, now called the Unknown Assassin series. This first book is a zinger loaded with surprising twists and turns that seem familiar, but instantly charge off in unexpected directions. I like the first-person narrative because I was instantly involved with the character. Zadoff doesn’t let up after an engaging opening: an assassination by our main character.When I first encountered Boy Nobody in the opening pages going about his assignment, I didn’t care for him, but the jet-propelled pacing carried me further into the book before I knew it, and Zadoff quickly hooked me with the horns of Boy Nobody’s dilemma: carry out his assignment and killed the girl he’s falling for pretty hard, or go rogue and potentially end up getting killed for being weak.The aspect of the book that aggravated me the most is that we don’t really get to know much about Boy Nobody. He’s a cipher. Although a few hints are revealed as we go along, I’m torn between being satisfied with that and hoping the series broadens the character’s past as it charges forward, or wanting to know about him. I’m hoping there are more reveals in the second book, which is already out now.The romance triangle feels overdone, but Zadoff makes it fresh again with the way he handles his story. In fact, the whole novel smacks of a Mission: Impossible/Rogue Agent kind of thing, but this is the kind of story I’ll always be a sucker for.The subject matter (assassination, murder, death, terrorism) is mature for young readers, but grade 6 and up can easily slip into this world for vicarious thrill and chills with nothing offensive on the pages. Think of this as a more grown-up Alex Rider with a lot more intensity.

“Not a sensation...a feeling.” Boy NobodyThis one did not end the way I thought it would. I love when that happens! As a series starter, there was a bit of world building, with rather a lot of “inner narration,” but I didn’t mind it. We still have questions at the end from the over arching plot, but the main one in this novel is wrapped up. Boy Nobody reminded me a lot of I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, the differences being no aliens, and the hunted being the hunter. But the similarities were numerous. There is a friendship with the awkward outcast, romance with the popular girl, grudgingly given respect from the jock, previous moves from place to place, no real parent to speak of and no real happy ending, either. Is Allen Zadoff, Pittacus Lore? Hmm, I’ll have to compare the next two books to see if my hypothesis holds. I am seriously intrigued.I think, my boys will like this book. It’s not as long as some others, so maybe it won’t be s intimidating. The action moves fairly quickly even with all the thinking Boy does in his head figuring out the next step. I liked the defense tips, so we weren’t surprised when he did what he did. The ending may disappoint girls who read it, if they are looking for a book with more romance, but the boys may feel a bit justified.

Male 1st person read that had me at go. Had Depth and darkness and the struggle of finding your way amid the machinists of powers so much stronger. Just loved it for not sugar coating the main character choices. Honestly I am so sick of girl perspective books with no grit just the same old " I am the hero" gag worthy storytelling. None of that here only a awesomely woven tale about a boy whose life is all hard core choices.

A really interesting set of three books.I would have liked to have followed Zach through his training schedule rather than seeing him one moment taken into the Program and the next being an established assassin..The thought of teenage, and younger, children being trained as assassins is really quite disturbing and when they do their killing without questioning the orders is frightening.A really thought provoking concept.Once again, unfortunately, we have to read about Zach having sex with someone or other. Yes, of course, we know this happens in real life - but is it a necessary part of the story? I don't know!All in all, a really enjoyable read.

This book surpassed my expectation. Which is pretty rare. Also, despite the main character not having a lot of emotional depth to him, yet (for good reason) which is usually crucial for me to enjoy a book, it didn't put me off reading. There's a good reason for this, as the potential reader will find out. And by the end of the book, things start to change in that area for him. Having lots of emotions wouldn't have worked well for the character, in his position.This book's extremely well written, and the paper and cover are of good standard.I look forward to the next book. This is the first part in a series, for those who didn't know.4.5 stars.

Enjoyed the first book and found this a good follow up. Story develops well from the first book and look forward to reading the next book.

Perfect condition. This series is fantastic, I have never read anything quite like it. It is from the perspective of a boy assassin who has been brain washed by The Program, a secret government agency. He kills for them and would puts his life on the line for them, but he is starting to think for himself.

This book was incredible. I bought it a few hours ago, and finished it just now, without putting it down. The subject is dark and gritty, and the writer has clearly researched this subject. It's written in quite a cold, calculating and detached style, so it makes you feel like you're really inside the main character's head, especially with the first person viewpoint. It is thrilling, brutal, well written with a twist ending that feels like a kick in the teeth. More please!